Oct 132011
I had a chance to visit St. Joe, MI last weekend. I haven't been there for years so I was excited to go back. Many times visiting the lake shore is not fun in October but the temps were in the upper 70's with the sun shining. Just off I-94 in Southwest MI it's easy to get to. For camping you can go to Eden Springs Campground in Benton Harbor, only a few miles away. See my review of Eden Springs Campground.
You can also view the photos I took in my Photo Gallery.
They have a lot of activities there and this weekend was no exception. Saturday mornings there is a farmers market in Lake Bluff Park. Lots of home made goodies and local fruit. A great place to walk or sit with a awesome view of Lake Michigan, Silver Beach and the lighthouse.
Before you head to the beach you'll want to talk a stroll by the local shops. Some good places to eat and unique items for sale. Just hang on to your pocketbook or credit card as you may max it out.
As you walk down towards the beach you can head past the train station where the Amtrack stops. Many people from the Chicago area take the train to St. Joe in the summer. Just a block away is the Whirlpool Compass Fountain that is a popular place for the kids to run through the 35' high water sprays.
Across the street from the fountain is the Silver Beach Carousel that you can hop a ride on or walk through the displays of vintage Silver Beach.
And then there is Silver Beach. A very popular place in the summer. There is normally a parking fee but this time of year parking is free. Even though it was a warm October afternoon there were not a lot of people. My pictures show the snow fences are already up to help keep the sand on the beach but you won't see any of that in the summer. Of to the right is the St. Joseph River light house and to the left is white sand beach. You can walk for miles along the beach.
St. Joseph is a really enjoyable place to spend a couple of days. I'll want to mark this one on your map of places to stop at.